This news item expired on 3/31/2013, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

Possible Exposure to Hepatitis A at 2 Restaurant/Bars Near Charlotte

The Mecklenburg County Health Department & the Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County (Cabarrus Health Alliance) have reported the possibility of exposure to Hepatitis A at two restaurants/bars near Charlotte.

People who ate at Hooters on Bruton Smith Blvd. in Concord, N.C. on Feb. 7 or 8, 2013, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

People who ate or drank at the Whiskey Warehouse, located at 1221 The Plaza in Charlotte on the following three dates: Feb. 6, 2013, between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; on Feb. 9, 2013, between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.; or on Feb. 13, between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., may also have been exposed to hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis vaccine is very effective in reducing the risk of disease when administered within 14 days of the last day of exposure. Hepatitis A is usually spread by eating or drinking items that have been contaminated with the virus or by close personal contact with an infected person.

An employee of both restaurant/bars has been confirmed with having viral hepatitis A. Those who have had a hepatitis A infection or one hepatitis A vaccination are protected from the virus and do not need to take action. The Mecklenburg County Health Department, the Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County (Cabarrus Health Alliance), and the North Carolina Division of Public Health are recommending a vaccination or shot for exposed employees and patrons, if the vaccine or shot can be given within 14 days of the last exposure.

Any Buncombe County resident who ate or drank at either of these restaurants/bar should call the Buncombe County Department of Health Disease Control staff at (828) 250-5109. The Health Department will assist exposed local residents in getting the Hepatitis A vaccine.

For Mecklenburg or Cabarrus county residents who may have been exposed, hepatitis A vaccines will be offered in their home counties beginning Wednesday, February 20. For questions or to learn about clinic times in these counties, call:

The Mecklenburg County Health Department at (704) 336-5398 or (704) 336-6436, or

The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County/Cabarrus Health Alliance at (704) 920-1213.

Symptoms of hepatitis A appear two to seven weeks after exposure and commonly include fever, a feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort. Urine may become darker in color and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may appear.

Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice, and may have an illness so mild that it can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill persons can still be highly infectious. Most people recover without complications after several weeks. People who have pre-existing liver problems can become extremely ill if they contract hepatitis A. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see their doctor.

The best way to prevent infection with Hepatitis A is to receive the vaccine proactively. Careful hand washing is effective in preventing the spread of hepatitis A and should include vigorous washing of hands with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 seconds. All surfaces should be washed, including the back of the hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails. This is especially important after using the bathroom and before handling food or beverages. Anyone who may have been exposed is strongly encouraged to follow this practice to reduce the risk of spreading illness to others.